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Disaster Metrics: A Comprehensive Framework for Disaster Evaluation Typologies

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  08 May 2017

Diana F. Wong*
Affiliation:
Monash University Disaster Resilience Initiative (MUDRI), Monash University, Melbourne, Australia New South Wales (NSW) Health, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Caroline Spencer
Affiliation:
Monash University Disaster Resilience Initiative (MUDRI), Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
Lee Boyd
Affiliation:
School of Nursing and Midwifery, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia Cabrini Health, Malvern, Victoria, Australia
Frederick M. Burkle Jr.
Affiliation:
Monash University Disaster Resilience Initiative (MUDRI), Monash University, Melbourne, Australia Harvard Humanitarian Initiative, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts USA Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, Washington, DC USA
Frank Archer
Affiliation:
Monash University Disaster Resilience Initiative (MUDRI), Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
*
Correspondence: Diana Wong, MCP Nsg Monash University Disaster Resilience Initiative (MUDRI) Monash University Accident Research Centre (MURAC) Building 70, Clayton Campus, Monash University Wellington Road, Clayton VIC 3800 Australia E-mail: Diana.F.Wong@monash.edu
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Abstract

Introduction

The frequency of disasters is increasing around the world with more people being at risk. There is a moral imperative to improve the way in which disaster evaluations are undertaken and reported with the aim of reducing preventable mortality and morbidity in future events. Disasters are complex events and undertaking disaster evaluations is a specialized area of study at an international level.

Hypothesis/Problem

While some frameworks have been developed to support consistent disaster research and evaluation, they lack validation, consistent terminology, and standards for reporting across the different phases of a disaster. There is yet to be an agreed, comprehensive framework to structure disaster evaluation typologies.

The aim of this paper is to outline an evolving comprehensive framework for disaster evaluation typologies. It is anticipated that this new framework will facilitate an agreement on identifying, structuring, and relating the various evaluations found in the disaster setting with a view to better understand the process, outcomes, and impacts of the effectiveness and efficiency of interventions.

Methods

Research was undertaken in two phases: (1) a scoping literature review (peer-reviewed and “grey literature”) was undertaken to identify current evaluation frameworks and typologies used in the disaster setting; and (2) a structure was developed that included the range of typologies identified in Phase One and suggests possible relationships in the disaster setting.

Results

No core, unifying framework to structure disaster evaluation and research was identified in the literature. The authors propose a “Comprehensive Framework for Disaster Evaluation Typologies” that identifies, structures, and suggests relationships for the various typologies detected.

Conclusion

The proposed Comprehensive Framework for Disaster Evaluation Typologies outlines the different typologies of disaster evaluations that were identified in this study and brings them together into a single framework. This unique, unifying framework has relevance at an international level and is expected to benefit the disaster, humanitarian, and development sectors. The next step is to undertake a validation process that will include international leaders with experience in evaluation, in general, and disasters specifically. This work promotes an environment for constructive dialogue on evaluations in the disaster setting to strengthen the evidence base for interventions across the disaster spectrum. It remains a work in progress.

WongDF , SpencerC , BoydL , BurkleFMJr. , ArcherF . Disaster Metrics: A Comprehensive Framework for Disaster Evaluation Typologies. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2017;32(5):501–514.

Information

Type
Original Research
Copyright
© World Association for Disaster and Emergency Medicine 2017 
Figure 0

Figure 1 Core Structure.

Figure 1

Figure 2 Baselines.

Figure 2

Figure 3 Consequences.

Figure 3

Figure 4 Outcomes.

Figure 4

Figure 5 Impact Evaluations.

Figure 5

Figure 6 Accountability.

Figure 6

Figure 7 Evaluation Standards and Evidence.

Figure 7

Figure 8 Disaster Evaluation Typologies: Comprehensive Framework.

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